Weekend
Raro masks bring smiles
Saturday 18 July 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Weekend
Surgical scrub hats made out of Cook Islands materials have brightened the days of doctors, nurses and patients at the Queen’s Hospital in London during this unprecedented Covid-19 time.
The historic fishing club where most people don't fish
Monday 13 July 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
Cook Islands Game Fishing Club has made the headlines a few times with the big fish weighed in there – but to its members, it’s not about the contest but about the community.
'A true island princess'
Saturday 11 July 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Weekend
Family and friends remember Tutevera Wichman-Evans, a proud Cook Islander and a beautiful soul who was born to perform.
The principal who will miss Rarotonga
Saturday 11 July 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Weekend
When the St Joseph’s principal returns to New Zealand, she looks forward to showing her family there how to make ika mata.
WWI memorial theft is 'sad and disheartening' – Sir Tom Marsters
Wednesday 8 July 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Weekend
Queen’s Representative dismayed thieves would take monument to Cook Islands heroes. Katrina Tanirau and NZ Herald report.
Eco-resort profits to support arts, health and education
Tuesday 7 July 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Go Local, Weekend
GOING LOCAL: Royale Takitumu is to reopen with a new focus on philanthropy and the environment, as Cook Islands reinvents its tourism.
Jeremiah's second chance at life
Sunday 5 July 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Weekend
Next month police will begin enforcing the motorbike helmet law. There is one person who knows the importance of a helmet better than anyone.
Chantal's recipe for success
Sunday 5 July 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Weekend
Award-winning tourism operator Chantal Napa barely paused for breath after the travels bans shut down her business; now she has launched a Cook Islands podcast with US business partners Haydn Adams. Rashneel Kumar conducts a three-way trans-Pacific interview with the podcasters.
Blackbirds: Shackled inside the slave ships to Peru
Sunday 5 July 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Weekend
As the world commemorates the abolition of slavery, leaders like Donald Trump and Scott Morrison have downplayed that brutal history. Yet there are Cook Islands families who still feel the pain.
People with disabilities ask: 'Why are we forgotten in Covid crisis?'
Tuesday 30 June 2020 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Weekend
One in four people in Cook Islands live with a disability, according to the last census. That is part of the reason the National Disability Council fights for an inclusive and just Cook Islands in which the human rights of those with disabilities are realised.
Nan Hauser: 'My disease scares some people – but I love my life'
Saturday 27 June 2020 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Weekend
Rarotonga whale researcher Nan Hauser speaks up for the first time about living with epilepsy and fighting the stigma against disabilities.
'A good story requires a good government'
Saturday 27 June 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Weekend
Former Government minister Iaveta Short says there is too must travel and wastage, and not enough checks and balances on government.
Cook Islands' U-boat hunter
Saturday 27 June 2020 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Weekend
Prime Minister-in-waiting Mark Brown’s great-uncle was a U-boat hunter in the Battle of the Atlantic.
Bringing about change for young women
Saturday 20 June 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Weekend
Hereiti File explains to Losirene Lacanivalu why Cook Islands and the world have a long way to go, to achieve equality between men and women.
Buying freedom: How tourism dollars help those with special needs
Saturday 20 June 2020 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Weekend
It’s not just the resorts and restaurants that are hard-hit by the border closures; adults with special needs are struggling to support themselves.
Keeping tivaevae tradition alive
Saturday 20 June 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Weekend
In order to succeed in business, you have to think outside the square. Katrina Tanirau discovers how the Covid-19 pandemic has forced Ann and Kathrine Reid to adopt new ways of selling their tivaevae.
GOING LOCAL: We're all in this (ocean) together
Sunday 14 June 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Weekend
The first time Losirene Lacanivalu went out fishing was as a 10-year-old with her aunt – and they caught nothing. Can she break the jinx now, off Rarotonga?
Hereiti File: What if we travelled north by vaka, not by plane?
Sunday 14 June 2020 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Weekend
OPINION: Growing up, met with vindictive comments whenever we try to learn about our culture, it’s easy to just turn our back on it all – and that’s why the Voyaging Society is struggling for funds and support.
Pages from the book of Marjorie Crocombe's life
Sunday 14 June 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Weekend
When she was in her 20s, Marjorie Crocombe was barred from Australia by its racist immigration policy. Now, as Cook Islands’ most venerated living author turns 90, she switches off the TV news coverage of BlackLivesMatter protests, and wonders how much has really changed. She talks with Katrina Tanirau.
Unexpected snail species in long-lost collection
Tuesday 9 June 2020 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Weekend
More than 5000 shell found in office of deceased expert, including surprise finds from Cooks.
